Chapter 48- Battle of Words 

Lai Xiaoli stood up amidst the rubble of the once-great Alchemist Union. Despite the wounds he suffered during the battle against the Decay Fish, he was determined to speak. His voice was firm as he addressed his fellow alchemists.

"My friends," he began. "We have just suffered a great loss. The attack by Master Feng and his followers has left us vulnerable and unable to protect the Union and the people of Cardinal City. We cannot ignore the reality that we face, that we have enemies all around us, and that our weakness will only put more lives in danger."

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "This is why I believe that it is best for the Shaoying Empire to take over the protection of the Union. They have the resources, the manpower, and the determination to defend us from our enemies. This is not a surrender, but a wise decision to ensure the safety of the people."

Lai Xiaoli's voice was filled with conviction and his eyes were bright with determination. "We cannot let the death of our friends and fellow alchemists be in vain. Let us stand together, my friends, and face the future with hope and courage."

Alchemist Li stared at Alchemist Lai in disbelief as the latter stood up after the grueling battle, his face bearing the marks of determination. "How long have you been colluding with the Empire?" Alchemist Li asked, his voice tinged with anger and suspicion.

"This is not colluding, it's unification," Alchemist Lai replied firmly, his eyes blazing with conviction. "The Union has enemies all around, and after the attack from Master Feng and his group, we don't have the power to protect ourselves. By joining with the Empire, we'll bring prosperity to both the Union and the Empire."

"Willing to be a dog of the Empire, are we?" Alchemist Li sneered, his lip curling with disdain.

"Being called a dog is not a problem if it means development for the Union and future Alchemists," Alchemist Lai retorted, his voice rising with passion.

Ding Gen stepped forward, his face stern and uncompromising. "All the hard work done by our predecessors to be independent will go to waste if we follow this path," he warned.

"Change is necessary," Alchemist Lai said, his eyes blazing with determination. "We must think of the future of the Union, not just cling to the past."

Wei Wencheng stepped out of the Cloud Chaser, his presence immediately commanding the attention of everyone present. He was a towering figure, standing at six and a half feet tall, with broad shoulders and muscular arms. He wore a suit of black plate armor, which gleamed in the sun, and a long, flowing red cape. His piercing gaze was enough to make anyone quiver in fear. Behind him stood Fang Jinhai, a top military strategist who appeared even more cunning than Wei Wencheng.

Fang Jinhai stepped forward, a sly smile spreading across his face as he addressed Alchemist Li and Alchemist Ding Gen. "Listen to him, Alchemist Li, Alchemist Ding Gen," he said, gesturing towards Alchemist Lai. "The Union will still be given an autonomy. You will only be protected under the empire." He spoke with a smooth and confident tone, making it seem like this was the only logical choice.

Madam Zhang stood with authority, her voice was strong despite her grief. "Wei Wencheng, you and your empire are nothing but a pack of hypocrites. You have the power to stop this battle from ever happening. You have the resources to arrive here in time and prevent the damage. But no, you waited for the Union to be weakened, for us to be vulnerable before you take action. How long have you've been watching the battle?"

She glared at Wei Wencheng and Fang Jinhai, her eyes burning with anger. "The enemy has been defeated, there is no longer any need for you and your empire to be here. The Union can stand on its own. We do not need your so-called protection."

The gathered alchemists were silent, some nodding in agreement with Madam Zhang's words. Wei Wencheng and Fang Jinhai were taken aback by her powerful remarks. The tension was palpable as the two sides stared each other down.

As Wei Wencheng spoke, his deep and commanding voice echoed through the surroundings, "Yes, the enemy has been defeated, and it was all thanks to Alchemist Lai that the Decay Fish has been defeated. We should be grateful for his actions."

However, Juanxiu couldn't bear it anymore and interrupted Wei, "You are all mad. You are robbing Grandmaster Zhang of his sacrifice. He sacrificed himself to protect the people of the Cardinal city and yet, you are taking credit for it."

Fang Jinhai, the top military strategist, stepped forward with a smirk on his face, "Is this his manner of protecting the Union and Cardinal City, boy? The Karma Order has slipped under his nose and infiltrated the Union. If not for his carelessness, this chaos would not have happened. Look around you, the Union was unable to protect the city, it's filled with destruction and dead bodies."

"And yet, you dare to mock us. This could have never happened if you have chosen to go under the belt of the Shaoying Empire from the start. The Union would have been protected and the people would have been saved," Fang added with a condescending tone.

Fang Jinhai stood tall, his eyes piercing through the crowd as he spoke, his voice ringing through the air. "Citizens of the Cardinal City, listen well. Do not be swayed by the words of those who seek to deceive you. The Shaoying Empire is here to bring justice to those who have been wronged by the Alchemist Union. The Snake Whisperer Alchemist, Alchemist Cui Bai, Liao Zhenshong and the other members of the Poison faction have committed atrocities against this city and its people. They have enslaved parts of the city and left destruction in their wake."

Fang Jinhai's words caused a murmur among the citizens, many of whom were still grieving over the loss of their loved ones. They were looking for someone to blame, and the members of the Alchemist Union seemed like an easy target.

"Do not forget the good deeds that have been done for you, especially by Madam Zhang," Chen Wei, the original member of the resistance group refuted. "She has been a tireless advocate for the people of this city, and it is through her efforts that people from District Four has been freed. Do not be blinded by the words of those who seek to divide and conquer. Stand together, and we will bring peace and prosperity to the Cardinal City once more."

The citizens were silent, weighing the words of Fang Jinhai and considering his words. In the midst of their grief, it was clear that they needed a beacon of hope, someone to guide them out of the darkness and into the light. Fang Jinhai's words offered that hope, and the citizens of the Cardinal City were eager to embrace it.

Madam Zhang spoke, her voice steady and clear, "My dear citizens, I cannot deny that there have been members of the Union who have gone astray. They were rebels, who infiltrated our organization with hatred towards the Empire. But let us not forget the countless good deeds done by the Union, the aid we have given to those in need and the protection we have provided for this city. It is true that we have been infiltrated, but these are the people who want to enact vengeance againt the Empire."

Fang Jinhai cut in, a hint of sarcasm in his tone, "If these rebels truly hated the Empire, why did they attack the Union and not the Empire itself?"

Madam Zhang retorted, "Because by crippling the Union, they know that they can weaken the Empire. The Union holds a great deal of power and influence. The Empire might be strong, but it will not continue to flourish without the Union."

"Madam Zhang, you speak highly of the Alchemist Union, but do not forget that the empire has survived long before it ever existed. The Blank Continent may believe it can cripple the Empire by defeating the Union, but in reality, it is the Empire that holds all the power. These rebels chose to attack the Union, not the Empire, because they knew they could not defeat us," Fang Jinhai spoke with a confident smirk on his face.

"You are wrong, Fang Jinhai," Madam Zhang retorted. "The reason why they chose to attack the Union is because they know that it is through the Union that the Empire exerts its control over the masses. By striking the Union, they hope to disrupt the Empire's hold on power."

"Ha! You are grasping at straws, Madam Zhang," Fang Jinhai laughed. "The Empire is not dependent on the Union to maintain control. The citizens know who truly protects them, and it is not the weak and easily infiltrated Union."

Alchemist Zhou stood up and spoke, "Fang Jinhai, you speak of the Empire taking over the Union, but what you fail to see is that the Union is not yours to give away. We are not mere puppets to be pulled at the strings of the Empire. The Union was built on the sacrifices of generations of Alchemists before us and it is our duty to protect its independence and integrity."

Alchemist Mao Wenlin followed, "If the Empire thinks that it can just waltz in here and take over the Union, then they have another thing coming. We will not stand idly by and watch as the Empire takes control of our home and our work."

Alchemist Ding Gen then added, "And if the Empire does take over, we will not remain in this organization. We will not be a part of something that is no longer truly ours. We will leave, we will look for a place, one that truly represents the ideals and beliefs of Alchemists."

Finally, Alchemist Li spoke up, "Fang Jinhai. Think carefully about your actions and decisions, because if the Empire chose to push through with their idea, they will lose the support of the very people you claim to lead."

Fang Jinhai stood tall and confident, with a smirk on his face as he listened to the threats of the alchemists. "Ha! So be it," he said with a laugh. "If you want to leave, then leave. No one is stopping you. But let me remind you, being an alchemist is not cheap. It requires resources and funds to continue your research. Without the Union or the Empire, it will be difficult for you to sustain your practice. If you want to leave, then it is better for those who will stay. The Alchemist Union will welcome new ranks of Alchemists"

The alchemists listened carefully, feeling the weight of Fang Jinhai's words. They knew deep down that he was right. They couldn't practice alchemy without the resources and support that the Union and the Empire provided. Others salivate on the idea that the high-ranking position will be vacated and they will have the opportunity to rise.

Alchemist Zhou stood up, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He looked at Juanxiu with a meaningful gaze and confidently declared, "I'll be the first to step down. Fang Jinhai! You can have my position."

As he spoke, Du Hong and Li Jing also rose from their seats, nodding in agreement.

Alchemist Li hesitated, concern etched on his face as he turned to Li Jing. "But what about your future, my daughter? What will happen to you?"

Li Jing put a reassuring hand on her father's shoulder. "Don't worry, Father. I trust in my own abilities, and I know that I'll be able to find a way. I have to take this chance."

The three alchemists exchanged a silent understanding, not mentioning their true intentions of following Juanxiu. Their decision was made, and they were willing to take the risk.

As Alchemist Lai Xiaoli watched the events unfold, he felt a mixture of emotions. On one hand, he couldn't deny Juanxiu's exceptional alchemy abilities. On the other, he was aware of the consequences of allowing this little boy to develop, a potential enemy of the Empire. A massive threat. He opened his mouth to speak, to warn Fang Shenji, but hesitated. He didn't want to see a genius like Juanxiu fall. In the end, he stayed silent.

The crowd around him was buzzing with excitement. One by one, alchemists and cultivators who had been touched by Juanxiu's kindness spoke up in support. They were ready to leave the safety and resources of the union if it meant retaining their independence.

Juanxiu, meanwhile, stood stoically, ready to lead them to the Forgotten Valley if necessary. The Hao clan would need all the help it could get if it was to rise again.